Cagliari president arrested

Cagliari president Massimo Cellino was among three men arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into the construction of the Serie A club's Stadio Is Arenas, news agency ANSA has reported.

Cellino, 56, was taken to the Buoncammino prison along with Mauro Contini, the mayor of Quartu Sant'Elena, where the stadium is based, and public works commissioner Stefano Lilliu.

Reports in Italy suggest the Guardia Forestale are investigating alleged attempted embezzlement and fraudulent misrepresentation surrounding the unfinished stadium, where Cagliari have struggled to host home games throughout the season.

Cellino has argued the new build - which has a potential capacity of 16,200 - meets safety requirements but persistent concerns have arisen concerning the appropriate use of invested funds and the length of time being taken to complete the stadium.

Cagliari later published a statement in support of Cellino, who took control of the club in 1992, on their official website.

It read: "All the directors, employees, coaches and players are close to their president Massimo Cellino at this difficult time.

"We are confident in the work of the judiciary and we are confident the investigation will show how the president is not connected to the facts alleged against him.

"No one can testify to the fairness, honesty and competence of Massimo Cellino. At the moment we want to say this - come on president, we are with you."

Contini, meanwhile, complained of feeling ill during questioning and was transported by ambulance to the nearby Brotzu hospital for medical tests, where he remains.